Solid ideas, strong doses of borrowed confidence… You are a pioneer in the evolution of music education.
Nick Ambrosino
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No Book Beginners
a step-by-step framework for creative piano teaching, right from lesson one
Looking to nurture lifelong musicians in your piano studio?
Introducing No Book Beginners - A Revolutionary Framework for Instrumental Music Teachers.
Dear Piano Teacher,
Right now we find ourselves at a crucial crossroads where traditional methods are no longer sufficient to engage and inspire young learners.
How do we innovate our piano lessons for beginner students, while still providing the fundamental training we know is essential?
That's precisely what No Book Beginners is all about.
Whether you're an independent teacher seeking a better approach, a classically-trained instructor seeking creative ideas, or a seasoned educator in need of a refresh, No Book Beginners will enrich your teaching and open new avenues of creativity.
Imagine a world where your students explore music through creative activities, discover the fundamentals of rhythm and harmony, and develop a passion for musical expression all in their first few lessons.
With No Book Beginners, you'll guide your students on a journey of self-discovery, building their confidence and fostering a lifelong love for music.
How do we innovate our piano lessons for beginner students, while still providing the fundamental training we know is essential?
That's precisely what No Book Beginners is all about.
Whether you're an independent teacher seeking a better approach, a classically-trained instructor seeking creative ideas, or a seasoned educator in need of a refresh, No Book Beginners will enrich your teaching and open new avenues of creativity.
Imagine a world where your students explore music through creative activities, discover the fundamentals of rhythm and harmony, and develop a passion for musical expression all in their first few lessons.
With No Book Beginners, you'll guide your students on a journey of self-discovery, building their confidence and fostering a lifelong love for music.
About the author
An internationally recognised leader in music education, Tim Topham has been helping to reshape and recharge the often traditional landscape of instrumental music education since 2010 as the founder of topmusic.co.
Tim’s vision of a more creative, modern and integrated approach to music teaching has seen him speak on stages from the USA to UK and Australia, publish numerous articles and record hundreds of podcasts and teaching videos for teachers.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Music, a Diploma of Education and a Master of Business Administration in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Diploma in Piano Performance (AMusA) and has over 20 years experience of teaching and leading programs internationally.
Tim’s vision of a more creative, modern and integrated approach to music teaching has seen him speak on stages from the USA to UK and Australia, publish numerous articles and record hundreds of podcasts and teaching videos for teachers.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Music, a Diploma of Education and a Master of Business Administration in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Diploma in Piano Performance (AMusA) and has over 20 years experience of teaching and leading programs internationally.
Here’s what you’ll uncover in this book:
No Book Beginners isn't just another rigid method; it's a versatile framework that empowers you to tailor your lessons to each student's needs while demonstrating your creative flair at every turn (even if you don’t think you have any yet!). Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all approaches and welcome to a dynamic teaching style that truly resonates with your learners.
In No Book Beginners, Tim shares the first five lessons of his 10-lesson No Book approach that will lay the foundation for your students' musical journey. From technique and keyboard knowledge to creative music-making activities and ear training, these lessons will captivate your students' interest and set them on a path of musical exploration… all without getting bogged-down in music reading.
Whether you teach in a private studio, classroom, or group setting, 'No Book Beginners' is easily adaptable. While immediately ready for use with primary aged children, this book will show you how to adapt the framework for preschoolers, teenagers, adults and transfer students, making it a versatile resource across your studio.
Throughout the book you’ll have the opportunity to assess your own teaching approaches with a series of in-depth questions. Your results in each quiz will reveal suggestions for how to improve your current practices so you know exactly how to take action in your studio. And you can take the quizzes again at a later date and see how you’ve improved.
These handy sections at the end of every chapter give you a quick summary of the key points, reinforcing those light-bulb moments.
Hear inspiring stories from teachers who have experienced the transformational power of 'No Book Beginners.' Witness how their students' confidence soared, their love for music deepened, and their self-identities as musicians strengthened. And hear how their experience has boosted their own creativity in all their lessons.
The results you'll notice in your studio
Creativity is the magical glue that binds music concepts together and helps students form memories with lasting impact. With No Book Beginners your students will form stronger connections with music, develop better musical ears, and gain the confidence to express themselves.
At the heart of No Book Beginners lies a student-centred philosophy. By focusing on your students' individual needs and interests, you'll witness higher retention rates, happier parents, and increased motivation for lifelong music learning. Enjoy the stories of teachers and parents who just can’t get their child to stop practising!
Change can be intimidating, but with No Book Beginners, you'll receive practical guidance on how to take things slowly and implement creative teaching at your own pace with clear, step-by-step instructions. No more overwhelm - just steady progress and joyful learning.
Distinguish yourself from other teachers in the market by adopting the innovative and creative approach of No Book Beginners. This unique selling point will quickly attract more students to your studio.
As you put the ideas in this book into action you’ll be inspired to explore your own ideas. Your potential for growth is limitless when you become fearless in creativity.
“Since the advent of unbelievably prevalent sheet music, we've become very tied to the written note… I think the pendulum has just swung too far in the other direction and now, it's coming back again.”
– Lucinda Mackworth-Young.
This is Not Another Method
As a music educator, you know that every student is unique, and their journey into the world of music should be just as special. That's why 'No Book Beginners' isn't just another method; it's a flexible, adaptable framework designed to work harmoniously with your current teaching style.
Methods are designed for one main purpose - to teach music reading.
No Book Beginners is different. The main pillar behind this book is to delay reading and instead use your first precious lessons with beginners to establish the skills of music internalisation, understanding, exploration and passion.
In this way we teach music as someone would learn a language – with understanding first and reading second.
In this way we teach music as someone would learn a language – with understanding first and reading second.
Early Praise for
No Book Beginners
An urgent, overdue reform… It’s crying out for a TED talk
Philip Johnston
pianist, composer and author of ‘The Practice Revolution’, ‘The Dynamic Studio’ and others
What you have here is an urgent, overdue reform, which you are uniquely well placed to champion, and have given every chance to succeed in this content-dense, readable and practical manifesto. My wish for the book? That there is significant pushback.
As in ‘everyone-is-talking-about-this-and-it’s-got-some-teachers-really-mad’ levels of pushback. The core proposition should be discussed white-hot wherever piano teachers gather; at stake is a return to piano as a medium for creation, rather than re-creation, and a vastly expanded toolkit of options for teachers and students alike. Kids won’t take piano lessons, they’ll explore piano, and in time—make no mistake—they will dazzle us with what they’ve been freed to create. It’s crying out for a TED talk (but I’m guessing it’s already underway).
Students love being heard… Parents are delighted… Win win win!
Rebecca Stewart
author of ‘Sight Reading Secrets’
Through Tim’s No Book Beginner framework, I have found a way to break the ice and encourage brand new students with purposeful, fun engagement. Aside from the creativity and joy, after ten weeks of this approach I have observed each individual student’s sense of rhythm, physical capacity, aural ability and reading readiness, which helps me chart a path forward. Students love being heard as well as the autonomy of making decisions in their creative work. Parents are delighted by how enthusiastically their child approaches their piano playing.
Win win win!
It’s a really thorough, thoughtful and inspiring approach, beautifully set out.
Simon Rushby
Music Education Expert, Composer & Performer
A terrific contribution to the world of creative music education.
Sydney Wallace
obo Forrest Kinney Publications
No Book Beginners is a terrific contribution to the world of creative music education. Full of excellent ideas and activities, it will help teachers introduce students to a life-long love of music through personalized and joyful lessons.
Creativity in music education is the future. This will be a real game changer.
Ruth Power
founder of PianoPicnic.com
I’ve just finished reading your book and it is stunning. It serves as inspiration and a stake in the ground for music teachers moving forward. Besides putting the NBB framework up to iconic status, it validates a feeling that many teachers will be familiar with – that creativity in music education is the future. This will be a real game changer.
Tim’s book is a breath of fresh air for anyone who is feeling the limitations of traditional, read-first teaching methods.
Paul Myatt
Forte School of Music
From the start of this new book, “No Book Beginners”, Tim argues convincingly that a read-first approach isn’t always the most effective way to get through to beginners. And let’s be honest, getting students engaged is vital when teaching youngsters or anyone trying out the piano for the first time. Tim includes suggestions for exploration and improvisation, two elements that are absolutely crucial for making learning relevant for today’s generation. We all know that the education landscape is constantly evolving, and Tim has some helpful suggestions for how music learning might adapt.
I wish every single piano teacher in the world would use it, follow it and memorise every word.
Laura Porter
Co-Founder of ‘LessonMate’; Director of Bloom School of Music and Dance & the Bloom Arts Foundation
Just listened to your sneak peak on the No Book Beginner! I can’t wait to get a copy! I’ve been a music educator for over 30 years. Have studied Orff (Levels 1, 2, 3) and have a thriving early childhood program here at our music and dance school helping to create the musician BEFORE group or private lessons.
And I completely LOVE everything about your book and how mindfully you’ve written it. I wish every single piano teacher in the world would use it, follow it and memorise every word.
I don’t know what you need, or if you need me at all, but I’m all in. This completely resonates with me and my music education philosophy.
A highly recommended read if you want to move meaningfully forward in your teaching journey.
Lyndel Kennedy
InnerMusician
This read shores up our commitment as teachers to uphold a higher calling for our students, recognising them as the true inner musicians they are.
I appreciate Tim’s balance between philosophy and practice, making it more than just a lofty ideal, and carefully avoiding creating yet another method book!.. Thank you Tim for working with teachers and students worldwide, listening, empathising and imagining… without which the NBB approach is not possible.
These light-bulb moments are waiting for you
How did we get here? A quick history on how method books became the foundation of most beginner piano lessons.
The heartbreaking truth about where this over-reliance on method books has gotten us (it’s worse than you think), and why urgent change is needed.
The 5 technical deficiencies plaguing our students in this current method-book-obsessed paradigm.
The underlying principles of the No Book Beginners framework (and why you’ll NEVER want to go back to the old way).
What meaningful change needs to look like in order to turn things around.
Why the statement “I haven’t got a creative bone in my body” is hurting your potential (& the potential of your students).
What creative music teaching REALLY looks like and how you can begin to explore and become confident in it (even if you can’t imagine it right now!).
The incredible instant pay-offs of using the No Book Beginners approach for your studio (+ how these advantages will snow-ball in the long term!).
Done-for-you full lesson plans for the first FIVE No Book Beginners lessons (full walk-through provided!).
Adapt & THRIVE: How you can tweak this framework to perfectly suit atypical beginners including preschoolers, teens, adults and neurodivergent students.
What comes next? A list of incredible resources to continue along your new obsession toward a brighter musical future!
A letter for you from Tim Topham
TopMusic HQ – Melbourne, victoria
Dear teachers - I'm so excited that you're here!
I know you'll gain incredible value from reading this book and can't wait for you to be sharing the joy of more creative, confident lessons with your future students right from the beginning.
While the ideas in this book have been producing revolutionary outcomes for teachers across the globe, the implementation is simple. I encourage you to choose just one of the ideas and test it out with your students before deciding whether to go "all-in" on a no-book approach in your studio.
You'll soon realise just how fun and engaging this approach can be (for you AND your students) but more importantly, just how much of an impact these creative activities will have on your students' understanding of musical concepts like rhythm, meter, harmony, tonal centre, melody and much more.
I can't wait to add your stories of success with those you'll find throughout the book. Make sure you stay in touch with us and send any questions or stories to support@topmusic.co.
Your piano teaching friend,
While the ideas in this book have been producing revolutionary outcomes for teachers across the globe, the implementation is simple. I encourage you to choose just one of the ideas and test it out with your students before deciding whether to go "all-in" on a no-book approach in your studio.
You'll soon realise just how fun and engaging this approach can be (for you AND your students) but more importantly, just how much of an impact these creative activities will have on your students' understanding of musical concepts like rhythm, meter, harmony, tonal centre, melody and much more.
I can't wait to add your stories of success with those you'll find throughout the book. Make sure you stay in touch with us and send any questions or stories to support@topmusic.co.
Your piano teaching friend,
Tim Topham
Author of No Book Beginners & Founder of TopMusic.co
Unlock the Creative Potential of Your Piano Studio with No Book Beginners Today
For a limited time only
Bonuses!
PURCHASE THIS BOOK AND RECEIVE $180 WORTH OF BONUSES:
The TopMusicSheets Beginners Pack
Contains four beginner-friendly collections of sheet music; showcasing incredible contemporary composers; studio-licensed and ready to play!
Value: $80
NBB Readers Resource Bundle
Access blog posts, expert interviews, videos and downloads to support your beginner piano teaching; browse our research glossary to deep-dive into the book’s references; discover Method Book Breakdowns with Carol Matz, Irina Gorin, Piano Safari and more.
Value: $99+
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're an independent teacher seeking a better approach, a classically-trained instructor seeking creative ideas, or a seasoned educator in need of a refresh, No Book Beginners will enrich your teaching and open new avenues of creativity.
No Book Beginners isn't just another rigid method; it's a versatile framework that empowers you to tailor your lessons to each student's needs while demonstrating your creative flair at every turn (even if you don’t think you have any yet!). Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all approaches and welcome to a dynamic teaching style that truly resonates with your learners.
From putting the concepts of this book into action in your studio, you can expect highly engaged students; increased retention rates & happier parents; less overwhelm; attracting more students (without really trying) and exponential growth.
The book has roughly 80 pages of easy reading. Get comfy for a few hours and engulf the whole thing in one sitting, or slowly digest with your morning cup of coffee over several weeks. The choice is yours.
Of course! Some of the real nuggets of wisdom are gained when you discuss your thoughts with others. Come and join in the conversation in our Facebook group. Or get in touch using the bottom-right chat if you have any questions.
Tim Topham is the founder of topmusic.co, the presenter of the Integrated Music Teaching Podcast, international speaker and piano teacher. When he’s not in the studio, he enjoys cycling, coffee and travelling with his family.
Yes! If you read through the whole book and don’t find any food for thought, or anything that is useful for your studio you can contact us within 30 days for a full refund. And as a gesture of goodwill, you can keep the bonuses!